Waitangi 07: Tino Rangatiratanga flags around the world

"As the wild wet winds continue to whip around Waitangi. Feburary 6th 2007 showed that although the flag did not fly on THAT bridge, the Maori Independence Flag, pretty much flew everywhere else" said Teanau Tuiono.

Kiritapu Allan continued "The Tino Rangatiratanga flag symbolises the long tradition of struggle and resistance by Maori against colonisation and the Crown sponsored theft of Maori land and resources. It is a symbol used by Maori who continue to resist the pressures of colonisation and cultural and economic genocide. It is part of the international movement of indigenous peoples drive for self-determination. Such a concept embraces the spiritual link Maori have with 'Papatuanuku' (Earthmother) and is a part of the international drive by indigenous people for self determination."

Links: Aocafe | Te Mana Motuhake Ō Tūhoe | Maori Independence Site | Waitangi a Personal Perspective

Tino Rangatiratanga flags around the world
The Unite Union was flying two large Maori flags on Waitangi Day from the top of its building in central Auckland. "Maori workers have been often been in the forefront of struggles to improve the wages and conditions of all workers in New Zealand. By flying the Maori flag we want to celebrate that unity and solidarity – equality and partnership begins with respect." [ More ]

In Te Whanganui a Tara, the queen victoria statue on Kent/Cambridge Terrace was holding a Tino Rangatiratanga flag and the 128 Abel Smith Street community house put out a big TR flag. Indigenous brothers and sisters flew the flag in solidarity in Sydney and the States. The flag flew on One Tree Hill and of course up at Waitangi, it was also seen on a Greenpeace ship in the deep deep south and Te Tino Toa even recieved a picture of a harley with the Tino Rangatiratanga symbol on it. [ More ] Stickers were put in New Brighton.

Waitangi a Personal Perspective
"The main march was lead by rangatahi – symbolizing the transition of the protest movement that this will be an issue that will be fought for by another generation. The rain was driving and most were soaked water running down their faces and clothes, despite this they lead the march with honour, heads held high chanting in maori, holding a banner “honour the treaty”. To see young people engaged in protest like this was inspiring and their presence reflected the powerful nature of the entire day. […] The police as representatives of the violent and coercive nature of the state were present in very high numbers, monitoring the activity of the marchers and the splinter groups. Van loads of police were shunted around Waitangi and it was made obvious that if the resistance against the state ever became threatening that the police as agents of the state would resort to violence." [ Video: Interview with Teanau Tuiono | Video: March on Waitangi, 2007 Audio: Interview with Teanau Tuiono ]

Synbols of aspiration
Teanau Tuiono, spokesperson for Te Tino Toa, said: "There is a lot of korero about the many different Maori flags, also a group has taken this kaupapa and now want to fly one on One Tree Hill, ka pai!, this is ok because over the last two hundred years there have been a number of Maori flags, Te Kooti had a flag, the Kingitanga have a flag, the Confederation, the Manamotuhake o Tuhoe flag, and of course the Tino Rangatiratanga flag."

"Flags of course are symbols they symbolise aspirations particular to the people who create those flags, in that respect all of our Maori flags have had something to offer our people, some of those flags are particular to only a certain section of Maoridom and some are relevant to past times. This is a good thing, diversity is a strength, because the truth is Maoridom is diverse, its different, the way that we organise is diverse, iwi sometimes hahi, sometimes whanau, sometimes waka, sometimes sports clubs."

"For me, I grew up with the Tino Rangatiratanga flag it encapsulates our aspirations for indigenous self-determination, that is the control of our lands, seabeds and foreshores, our taonga, the revitalisation of our language and culture. If other symbols mean similar things to other Maori, well that is just sweet az."

Shoot the NZ flag
A call-out from the indymedia comments: "This is a call-out for a removal of New Zealand flags from anywhere and everywhere you can find them as a protest against colonial rule in this land. Removal could be anytime from tonight (the eve of Waitangi) until say March 7th when Maori activist Tame Iti appears in court at Wellington for the defacing of a New Zealand flag. The flag was shot in protest several times with a gun before one of the Tuhoe iwi Waitangi Tribunal hearings in early 2005. Flags could also be replaced with Tino Rangatiratanga flags or left ripped, burned, shot, muddied, shat on etc below their flagpoles ;o) Please note: Mr Iti does not (knowingly) support these actions."